Read time: 11 mins
20 Dec 2020
One of the most popular hybrid dog breeds, Cockapoos combine the cheeky nature of Cocker Spaniels with the razor-sharp intellect of Poodles. Known for their big personalities, friendly attitude and all-round cleverness, they make the perfect family pet.
The Cockapoo is a mixed breed or hybrid dog that results from the crossbreeding of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. The intentional breeding of Cockapoos began in the United States in the 1950s, aiming to combine the favourable traits of the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle.
The goal of this crossbreeding was to create an intelligent companion dog with a low-shedding coat, suitable for individuals with allergies. The Cockapoo's popularity grew rapidly due to its charming personality, adaptability, and the potential for having a coat that is less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
While the Cockapoo's exact origin isn't attributed to a single breeder, its hybrid status became well-established over the years, leading to its recognition as a popular and beloved mixed breed. Today, Cockapoos are cherished as family pets, known for their affectionate nature and versatility in various living environments.
According to the The Kennel Club UK guidelines, Cockapoos are classified as crossbreed dogs. As a crossbreed, they result from the intentional combination of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Crossbreeds aren't assigned specific breed standards or recognised pedigrees by traditional kennel clubs.
The ideal owner for a Cockapoo is someone who values companionship, is active, patient, and committed to positive reinforcement training. As well as a willingness to invest time in regular grooming. Given the potential hypoallergenic qualities of the breed, an ideal owner may also be someone conscious of allergies.
As cross-breeds, Cockapoos come in a range of sizes, from tiny toy to sturdy standard. This is dependent on their parents and which genetics they inherit. Typically looking at the mother and father dogs will help you to determine the sort of size your pooch could reach.
There are typically three size categories for Cockapoos:
Toy/Miniature Cockapoos
Up to 11 inches (28 cm) at the shoulder.
Miniature/Medium Cockapoos
11 to 14 inches (28 to 35 cm) at the shoulder.
Standard Cockapoos
Over 14 inches (35 cm) at the shoulder.
According to We Love Doodles, a Toy Cockapoo will weigh up to 12 pounds, whilst a miniature Cockapoo will weigh somewhere between 13 and 18 pounds and a standard Cockapoo will weigh from 19 pounds upwards. Typically the max weight for this breed is around 30 pounds.
Cockapoos, like many dog breeds, typically reach their full adult size between 9 months to 1.5 years of age. However, the exact timing can vary based on factors such as genetics, individual growth rates, and the specific size category of the Cockapoo (toy, miniature, or standard).
Most Cockapoos will experience their main growth spurt in the first six months, with a gradual slowing of growth as they approach adulthood. Keep in mind that while they may have reached their full size, dogs may continue to fill out and mature in terms of muscle mass and body composition until they are around 2 years old.
Cockapoos can have a varied coat in terms of colour and texture, influenced by their Cocker Spaniel and Poodle parentage.
Color
The coat color of a Cockapoo can range widely and may include shades such as black, chocolate, cream, apricot, red, sable, and various combinations of these colors. Some Cockapoos may also exhibit markings or patterns, such as white patches or spots.
Texture
The texture of a Cockapoo's coat depends on the specific genes inherited. They can have a straight, wavy, or curly coat. If the Cockapoo inherits more Poodle traits, the coat is likely to be curly or wavy, often with a soft and luxurious feel.
On the other hand, if they inherit more Cocker Spaniel traits, the coat may be straighter or have a looser wave. Cockapoos are often favored for their potential hypoallergenic qualities, as their coat may shed less dander than some other breeds.
The combination of colour and texture can vary widely among individual Cockapoos, making each one unique in appearance. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat in good condition, regardless of the specific colour or texture.
As with all mixed breeds, it’s hard to estimate exactly how much a dog will shed, as it's dependent on their genetics. Poodles are widely recognised as a low-shedding breed, meanwhile Cocker Spaniels are moderate shedders. Generally speaking though, Cockapoos are known to shed very little.
Because of their tendency to be low-shedders, Cockapoos tend to be a favourable choice amongst those looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
However, it’s useful to note that no dog breed is considered 100% hypoallergenic. Whilst some breeds are regarded as non-shedding, they will still produce dander (dead skin cells) which can also trigger allergy symptoms.
Grooming a Cockapoo is an essential part of their care routine to maintain a healthy coat and overall well-being. Here are general guidelines on how to groom a Cockapoo:
Brushing
Cockapoos can have different coat textures, including straight, wavy, or curly. Brush their coat regularly to prevent mats and tangles. Use a slicker brush for curly coats and a comb for straight or wavy coats. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and in the feathering on the legs.
Bathing
Bathe your Cockapoo as needed, typically every 4-6 weeks or when they get dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo, and thoroughly rinse to avoid skin irritation. Be mindful not to over-bathe, as it can strip the coat of natural oils.
Ear cleaning
Cockapoos, especially those with floppy ears, may be prone to ear infections. Check their ears regularly and clean them using a dog-specific ear cleaner and cotton balls. Be cautious not to insert anything deep into the ear canal.
Eye care
Keep the area around your Cockapoo's eyes clean to prevent tear staining. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any discharge.
In this exploration of the Cockapoo's personality, we delve into the unique traits that make them cherished members of households worldwide.
Yes, Cockapoos are good family dogs.
Cockapoos are excellent family dogs, combining the friendly and affectionate nature of Cocker Spaniels with the intelligence of Poodles. Their adaptability makes them suitable for various living environments, and they easily form strong bonds with family members of all ages. Known for being good with children, Cockapoos are social and often get along well with other pets in the household.
Yes, Cockapoos are easy to train.
These little bundles of joy are made up of two of the most intelligent and obedient dog breeds.
There are a number of different ways you can train your Cockapoo to ensure that they respond effectively. This breed is much more sensory than your average dog breed. Scent retrieval games are a great way to teach them, whilst simultaneously tiring them out.
No, Cockapoos are not known for excessive barking.
To manage barking behavior in Cockapoos, it's essential to provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training. Socializing them with various environments, people, and other pets can also contribute to a well-balanced and less bark-prone personality.
Yes, Cockapoos are generally considered intelligent dogs.
Their intelligence is influenced by the traits inherited from their parent breeds, the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. Poodles, in particular, are known for their high level of intelligence, and this characteristic is often passed down to Cockapoos.Intelligence in dogs can manifest in various ways, including the ability to learn commands quickly, problem-solving skills, and adaptability to different environments.
Cockapoos are often praised for their trainability and the ease with which they pick up new commands. This makes them suitable for various training activities and can contribute to positive interactions with their owners.
Cockapoos can be left alone for reasonable periods, but their sociable nature may lead to separation anxiety if left unattended for extended durations.
To ease their time alone, gradually introduce independence through training and provide mental stimulation with interactive toys. Ensuring they receive sufficient exercise before being left alone contributes to a more content and relaxed demeanor. Creating a comfortable space with familiar items and arranging for regular breaks or check-ins helps prevent boredom and loneliness.
Each Cockapoo is unique, so adjusting strategies based on individual needs and responses contributes to a positive experience when they are left alone. If concerns arise, seeking advice from professionals in dog behavior and training can offer tailored solutions.
Yes, Cockapoos can swim.
Many dogs, including Cockapoos, have a natural instinct for swimming, and they can enjoy water activities. However, individual dogs may have varying comfort levels in the water, and not all Cockapoos may be enthusiastic swimmers.
Most Cockapoos are jet-propelled bundles of energy. As well as clowning around at home, they enjoy nothing more than sprinting after balls at the park and taking long hikes in the countryside.
Exactly how much exercise a Cockapoo needs is dependent on things like their age, build and energy levels.
As a general guide, an adult Cockapoo is likely to be satisfied with two 30 minute walks, in addition to play time and mental stimulation. The quality of exercise is also crucial. It is unlikely that your Cockapoo will be satisfied with a lead walk, they need plenty of opportunities to run, explore and most importantly, sniff butts.
Puppies and senior Cockapoos require a less exercise and will usually tell you when they're ready to go home. Cue the stubborn mid-walk sit down.
Keeping pups happy and healthy is always at the forefront of pet parent minds. Part of this comes down to having a good understanding of what health conditions certain breeds may be prone to, so that you can make lifestyle choices to help prevent them from occurring.
Cockapoos, like many mixed-breed dogs, can inherit health conditions from their parent breeds, the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. While crossbreeding may reduce the risk of certain genetic issues, it's important to be aware of potential health concerns that Cockapoos may be prone to. Common health conditions associated with Cockapoos include:
Ear infections
Cockapoos, particularly those with floppy ears inherited from the Cocker Spaniel parent, may be prone to ear infections. Regular cleaning and inspection of the ears can help prevent issues.
Orthopaedic problems
Some Cockapoos may be susceptible to orthopaedic problems such as hip dysplasia or luxating patellas. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular exercise can help mitigate these issues.
Skin allergies
Skin allergies and sensitivities can be common in Cockapoos. Pay attention to their skin condition, and consult with a veterinarian if you notice persistent issues.
First and foremost, you should ensure that you’re buying your pup from a reputable breeder or rescue centre. This will help to ensure that your dog has been bred and cared for in the right circumstances. A sound woof of advice from us, if it seems too good to be true it’s likely that it is. A dog is a huge investment in time, money and love, so make sure that you take the time to do plenty of research before making any decisions.
According to research conducted by Pets4Homes UK as of 2022, the average cost of purchasing a Cockapoo is £1,336.
As well as the cost to purchase a Cockapoo, it’s important to be mindful of the other expenses involved when bringing a pooch into your life. Such as:
• Vaccines, flea & worming treatments (including initial and yearly booster vaccines)
• Neutering or spaying
• Equipment (collar, harness, lead, bed, bowls, brushes, washes, toys, poo bags)
• Food
• Insurance
• Daycare and boarding
Cockapoos can be extremely fussy eaters indeed. Poodles have a natural tendency to be more picky about their food and often this trait is passed down to Cockapoos. Tackling a fussy pup can be really difficult, but providing them with a delicious dog food with lots of variety is a great first step.
When you sign up to Butternut Box, we ask you a few questions about your dog, such as their breed, age, weight and activity level. This helps our super-clever algorithm to work out exactly how much food your dog needs to maintain a healthy weight. It even takes into account treats, so you can continue to reward your precious pup.
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